News and Events - Graduate School

Buffalo State Selected to Host NYS Master Teacher Program

norrisma1 — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:24:58 +0000

Published Date:

May 20, 2013

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday that Buffalo State has been selected as a regional host campus for New York State’s new Master Teacher Program, which will reward the state’s highest performing teachers, ensure that the best and brightest stay in education, and encourage the state’s best teachers to share their expertise with peers.

Read Governor Cuomo's press release.

Through the NYS Master Teacher Program, high-performing secondary science and mathematics teachers who make a commitment to mentor other teachers will receive $15,000 annually over four years. Selected master teachers will engage in peer mentoring and will both attend and create intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. Master teachers will also work closely with preservice and early-career fellows in their regions to develop future world-class educators.

“Buffalo State’s selection as the host campus for the Western New York region speaks to our institution’s long, distinguished history of teacher education, and we are immensely proud to serve such a vital role in this statewide initiative,” said Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky. “By changing the model for teacher preparation, we will make great strides in enriching student learning in math and science and help future teachers attain the tools they need to excel in their careers. Buffalo State’s efforts for this new partnership, which will be led by Deans Wendy Paterson and Mark Severson, will be an important catalyst in enhancing the teaching profession throughout New York State.”

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said, "Incentivizing our best teachers in the STEM fields to stay and teach in New York and lend their expertise to others will build a strong foundation of student success and ensure that our education system remains globally competitive. The New York State Master Teacher program is yet another example of the Governor taking bold action to improve New York schools and benefit students for years to come."

The NYS Master Teacher Program will be managed by SUNY with technical assistance provided throughout the first phase of implementation by Math for America, a successful program currently operating in New York and other major cities. The Master Teacher Program will be based at and hosted by higher education institutions in each of the state’s 10 economic development regions. An initial group of 250 teachers will be selected from Mid-Hudson, North Country, Central New York, and Western New York in fall 2013; the program will launch in the remaining six regions in spring 2014.

Applications will be available July 1 and due August 1—the first round of master teachers will be announced September 1.

Buffalo State has a distinguished history of preparing educators to excel in a wide range of classroom settings dating back to the college’s opening as the Buffalo Normal School in 1871.

Today, Buffalo State houses the largest teacher-education program in the region. The college is also the only SUNY institution that has received continuous accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since the organization conducted its first review of institutions in 1954.

Teacher education candidates at Buffalo State are prepared through a strong and diverse on-campus curriculum as well as through clinically rich field and student teaching experiences and service learning. More than 40 schools in Western New York serve as partners through membership in the college's award-winning Professional Development Schools Consortium (PDS), the largest and oldest such consortium in SUNY.

Specific to math and science education, Buffalo State features undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, and physics that prepare teacher candidates for secondary certification and 30-credit-hour concentrations in science and math for elementary and special education teacher certification. In January, students and faculty in these programs began reaping the benefits of the college’s new $100 million Science and Mathematics Complex. The first phase of the 224,000-square-foot, three-story facility opened at the beginning of the spring semester. The second phase will include a complete renovation of the existing Science Building’s north wing, while phase three of the project will create a new state-of-the-art planetarium, greenhouse, labs, classrooms, and lecture halls.

About Buffalo State
Buffalo State, a State University of New York (SUNY) campus located in Buffalo, New York’s Elmwood Village, offers degrees in the arts, education, the sciences, and professional studies. Each year, nearly 12,000 students choose Buffalo State for its broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs, diverse and creative environment, hands-on learning opportunities, affordable SUNY tuition, and location in the heart of Buffalo’s cultural corridor.

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Media Contact:

Jerod Dahlgren, Public Relations Director | (716) 878-5569 | dahlgrjt@buffalostate.edu

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

May 21, 2013

President Podolefsky Congratulates Buffalo State's Class of 2013

norrisma1 — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:30:38 +0000

Published Date:

May 9, 2013

Buffalo State will confer degrees on more than 2,030 undergraduate and 600 graduate students during its 141st Commencement celebration, Saturday, May 18, in the Sports Arena.

In a message to the Class of 2013 delivered this week, Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky told graduating students, “Commencement is a truly joyous celebration that commemorates the years of study and effort you’ve devoted to earning your degree and marks the beginning of the next exciting chapter in your life. This is your moment. Enjoy this time with your family and friends who have supported you throughout your educational endeavors at Buffalo State.”

Read President Podolefsky's full message to graduating students.

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

May 13, 2013

Commencement 2013: May 18

norrisma1 — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:34:48 +0000

Author:

Brian Kantz

Published Date:

May 3, 2013

Buffalo State will confer degrees on more than 2,030 undergraduate and 600 graduate students during its 141st Commencement celebration, Saturday, May 18, in the Sports Arena.

Degree candidates will be honored at morning (10:00 a.m.) and afternoon (2:00 p.m.) baccalaureate ceremonies and an evening (6:00 p.m.) master’s hooding and C.A.S. ceremony.

In a message to the Class of 2013, Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky told graduating students, “Commencement is a truly joyous celebration that commemorates the years of study and effort you’ve devoted to earning your degree and marks the beginning of the next exciting chapter in your life. This is your moment. Enjoy this time with your family and friends who have supported you throughout your educational endeavors at Buffalo State.”

The following graduates of the Class of 2013 will be honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence in recognition of their academic and extracurricular achievements, leadership, and service: Kira L. Bruce, Sara E. Cripps, Paige Ottaviano, Amanda R. Pratt (undergraduate students) and Ismet Mamnoon (graduate student).

Jessica J. Stabell will address the audiences at the morning and afternoon ceremonies as the recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Mamnoon will deliver an address at the evening ceremony as the recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student.

State University of New York honorary degrees will be presented to Carl Wilkens, activist, humanitarian, and founder of World Outside My Shoes, and Donna M. Fernandes, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. Wilkens will deliver the commencement address at the morning and afternoon ceremonies, while Fernandes will deliver the address at the evening ceremony.

In addition, Distinguished Alumnus Awards will be granted to William “Bill” T. Cleary, ’69, ’73, owner of Cleary & Partners, and Brenda W. McDuffie, ’74, president and CEO of Buffalo Urban League Inc. Ara H. Bagdasarian, ‘95, CEO and cofounder of Omnilert LLC, will receive the Young Alumnus Achievement Award.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and join them in this special day by marching in the academic procession or by serving as a volunteer. Marchers and volunteer ushers are still needed for the 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. ceremonies. Online registration is open until May 10.

More information is available online.

Commencement 2013 details
Saturday, May 18, 2013 
Sports Arena  

Celebrating
December 2012 graduates 
May 2013 degree candidates 
August 2013 degree candidates  

Times
10:00 a.m. Morning Baccalaureate Ceremony 
2:00 p.m. Afternoon Baccalaureate Ceremony 
6:00 p.m. Master’s/C.A.S. Ceremony

Commencement Address
10:00 a.m.
Carl Wilkens, activist, humanitarian, and founder of World Outside My Shoes

2:00 p.m.
Carl Wilkens   

6:00 p.m.
Donna M. Fernandes, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo

Getting here
 Directions, maps, and parking for commencement visitors

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May 6, 2013

Public Administration: Managing for the Public Good

norrisma1 — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:17:03 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

May 1, 2013

As a manager, how do you perform successfully if your employer isn’t trying to make money?

Public sector organizations, which include governments and governmental agencies at all levels, and not-for-profits operate differently than for-profit enterprises. The master’s in public administration (MPA) in in public and nonprofit management at Buffalo State provides such professionals with the skills they need to succeed.

About 110 students are enrolled in the M.P.A. this semester, up from about 25 in fall 2011. “The program’s rapid growth attests to the demand for it,” said Keith Henderson, professor of political science. “It helps administrators in the public and not-for-profit sectors do their jobs well in a challenging environment.”

The M.P.A., which is directed by Laurie Buonanno, professor of political science, offers two concentrations: nonprofit administration and public administration. Henderson coordinates the public administration option, which meets the needs of government employees, including elected officials. Angelo Conorozzo is coordinator of the nonprofit administration option.

“We have distinguished ourselves by meeting the demands of professionals working at not-for-profits,” said Conorozzo. “The MPA is like an MBA designed for the public and not-for-profit sectors.” He explained that success in a for-profit organization is measured by financial gain, and is accountable to shareholders.

“However, in a not-for-profit organization,” he said, “accountability is measured differently. You assess how you achieve your mission, how you use your resources, and how well you satisfy your consumers and constituents.” Conorozzo cited many examples of not-for-profits, including the United Way, People Inc., and cultural organizations such as the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

Henderson, who holds a doctorate in public administration, served in Los Angeles city government before embarking on his career in higher education. “In many places, government officials are expected to have graduate degrees in public administration,” he said. He believes that Buffalo State’s MPA program is especially strong because it emphasizes the need to provide services more efficiently.

Janet Penksa, who earned an MPA from SUNY Binghamton before completing her Ph.D. at the University at Buffalo, is now teaching in the program. She served as commissioner of administration, finance, policy, and urban affairs in the City of Buffalo from 2007 until 2012, when she accepted a position as executive director of the Jacobs Institute.

During her career at City Hall, the need for people with MPAs was recognized. “Locally, we didn’t have the pool of MPA graduates that other regions have,” said Penksa. “The mayor charged me and the commissioner of human resources to address that issue.” That led to a meeting between City Hall and Buffalo State faculty members, and a graduate certificate program was designed. The master’s program in public administration was launched in fall 2011, and Penksa became one of the instructors.

“A lot of our students come from county government,” said Penksa. “It’s an excellent continuing education program for executives from the government and from not-for-profits.”

Stanton Hudson, president of the board of trustees of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, has served on the boards and committees of more than 40 not-for-profits locally, regionally, and nationally.

“I believe what Albert Einstein said, 'Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,'” said Hudson. He was looking for a meaningful advanced degree program, and he found it in the MPA program.

“I thought it could help me be a better leader,” he said.

Hudson said that the not-for-profit world is changing, and he expects the MPA to help him implement that change. “Everybody is having to do more with less,” he said. “It’s important to match a not-for-profit’s mission with the individuals and entities that support it.” Human capital is changing, too, as new generations join both the paid and volunteer ranks of not-for-profits. “I’m learning a great deal about how to help people embrace change,” he said.

“This is a very practical program,” said Henderson. “It’s oriented toward practitioners who will put their skills to work for the public good.”

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Year of the City Continues with May Events

norrisma1 — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:48:03 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

May 1, 2013

As the 2012-2013 academic year winds down, Buffalo State continues to offer intellectual and artistic events that make our campus vibrant. If you haven’t yet attended a Year of the City lecture, performance, or art exhibition, there is still time.

Ongoing through May 8
Art Education Student Juried Exhibition
The free exhibition of art education students in ceramics, paintings, photographs, textiles, sculptures, and multimedia runs through May 8 in Upton Hall’s Czurles-Nelson Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (716) 878-3549.

May 1
Frank Lloyd Wright Lecture
Scott W. Perkins, curator and author of essays about the famous architect, will present “Inside/Outside: Transitional Space in the Work of Frank Lloyd Wright” at 7:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium. Part of the Graycliff Lecture Series, Perkins’s talk will illustrate Wright’s views on outdoor space and feature examples from all eras of this career. Tickets are $5 for Burchfield Penney and Graycliff members and $10 for the general public. Contact the Burchfield Penney Art Center at (716) 878-6011 for more information.

May 1, 5, and 8
Chamber Ensembles
Hear a number of Buffalo State chamber ensembles perform in three free performances, May 1 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5 at 5:30 p.m., in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall. The ensembles represent student talent—from the Saxophone Quartet to the String Ensemble—playing music in a broad spectrum of styles by composers as varied as Bach, Jobim, and Lennon-McCartney. The May 5 concert will include vocal chamber music performances while the other two performances will features instruments only. For more information, call (716) 878-3005.

May 2
Year of the City Roundtable Discussion
Buffalo State’s Year of the City presents the discussion “The Future of the City” at 6:30 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The roundtable members are six Western New Yorkers whose belief in a booming, twenty-first-century Buffalo is exceeded only by the efforts they are making to bring that city to life. For more information, call (716) 878-6674. The event is free and open to the public.

May 5
Astronomy Day Open House
The staff of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is hosting an open house from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the atrium of the new wing of the Science and Mathematics Complex. The event will include an inflatable planetarium, safe telescope viewing of the sun, and presentations/activities about comets, meteorites, the night sky, and UV solar radiation. Without a fixed planetarium for the next few years, the earth sciences and science education faculty will host open houses and work with other Buffalo institutions to present educational information under the motto “Learning. Beyond the Dome.” Admission is free and open to all ages.

May 3
Steve Tyrell
As part of the Great Performers Series presented by M&T Bank, legendary jazz balladeer Steve Tyrell returns to the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall for an 8:00 p.m. concert. Tickets are $40 for the lower tier; $35 for the upper tier; $32 for seniors and Buffalo State faculty and staff. Students may purchase $15 one hour prior to the concert. Tickets can be purchased online through the Performing Arts Center or via phone at (716) 878-3005.

May 3–4
Student Research and Creativity Celebration
The 15th annual celebration showcasing undergraduate student research and scholarly works will be held in E. H. Butler Library on Friday, May 3, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (716) 878-4724. Full schedule and program. The event is free and open to the public.

May 6
Art Exhibition: Riveting Start
Videogame-inspired metalwork by student Veronica Keymel is on display in Upton Hall’s Margaret Eschner Bacon Student Gallery from May 6 to 9 from noon to 3:00 p.m. and May 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. An opening reception will be held Monday, May 6, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

May 7
National Teacher Day
The Burchfield Penney Art Center invites current, former, and future educators to enjoy the museum free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in recognition of National Teacher Day. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., teachers are invited to come to the museum’s Burchfield Café for coffee and a chance to talk one-on-one with museum staff about tours and school partnerships. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a curated tour of Charles E. Burchfield: Oh My Heavens. For more information, call Mary Kozub, museum education and tour manager, (716) 878-3156.

May 10
Conversations In and Out of the Disciplines
The 2012-2013 series wraps up with Saziye Bayram, associate professor of mathematics, presenting the free talk "The Numbers Behind the Kidney: Mathematical Modeling of Renal Dynamics” from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320. A short informal wine-and-cheese reception will be held afterward. Colleagues, friends, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students are welcome.

May 18
Art Museum Day
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is participating in the Association of Museum Directors’ Art Museum Day. Visitors enjoy free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., lunch specials in the Burchfield Cafe, a docent-led tour at 2:00 p.m., membership specials and raffles, and a free poster. Contact the Burchfield Penney Art Center at (716) 878-6011 for more information.

May 19
Empty Bowls X
The 10th annual event to benefit the hungry in Western New York will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Participants can purchase bowls made by college students, local schoolchildren, and professional artists and receive a light meal donated from area restaurants. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Night People and the Food Bank of Western New York. For more information, contact John Siskar, director of the Center for Excellence in Urban and Rural Education at (716) 878-3610.

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New Master's Programs: Great Lakes Ecosystem Science

norrisma1 — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:06:50 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

April 19, 2013

The Great Lakes Center at Buffalo State is offering two new master’s programs in Great Lakes ecosystem science beginning August 2013. Both programs share certain required and elective courses, but they differ in their objectives. The master of science program is designed to prepare its graduates for management positions in the environmental sciences; the master of arts program prepares graduates for research positions or academic careers.

With water from four of the five Great Lakes flowing past the Great Lakes Center Field Station at the mouth of Lake Erie, both programs offer extensive hands-on experience. The field station maintains three large research vessels and a fleet of smaller boats.

The programs respond to demand from both students and employers throughout the Great Lakes ecosystem. “These programs meet a need for people trained to apply scientific data and processes to the questions and concerns related to the Great Lakes,” said Alexander Karatayev, professor and director of the Great Lakes Center.

The interdisciplinary degree will draw on graduate courses already being offered in the biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and planning programs at Buffalo State. “We have a strong, hands-on GIS program in place,” said Kelly Frothingham, program coordinator and associate professor and chair of the Geography and Planning Department. “Students will be able to choose electives that are relevant to their area of specialization.”

The Great Lakes Center will offer specialized seminars, internships, and coursework for students enrolled in the programs. “Throughout the Great Lakes region, we see questions and concerns relating to water quantity and quality, lake diversion, climate change, land use change, brownfield development, and invasive species,” said Karatayev. “Our new programs will prepare students to bring scientific solutions to these issues.”

The master of science program is modeled on the guidelines for professional science master’s (PSM) degrees. PSM programs provide students with business leadership training through courses in communication, economics, and project management. Plans are in the works to apply for official affiliation status with the national PSM agency—the Keck Graduate Institute. Government agencies, environmental consulting groups, and non-governmental agencies have indicated, through surveys and meetings, support for such a program. Eligible students are invited to apply.

“The Great Lakes Center, its research scientists, and its faculty associates have established a reputation for expertise on the issues facing the Great Lakes and on the biology of invasive species,” said Mark Severson, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. “With these new graduate programs, we fill a very important niche in educating students to manage one of the world’s most crucial natural resources.”

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

April 22, 2013

In the News: Grad Students Start Youth Group

norrisma1 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:41:30 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

April 16, 2013

Two Buffalo State graduate students were recognized by the Buffalo News for their efforts to clean up Buffalo.

Jason Hall is pursuing a degree in creative studies; Katrina Whitlow is studying public relations. Together, the News reported that they have formed 1WNY4U, a group whose mission is “to get youth volunteers involved in community projects.”

They plan to bring 1WNY4U to the upcoming National Veterans Golden Age Games for Western New York, which is seeking 3,000 volunteers.

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Buffalo State Scholarship Gala Benefits Honors Students

norrisma1 — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:32:46 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

April 16, 2013

'All College Honors Program' to be Named 'Muriel A. Howard Honors Program'

Buffalo State’s 16th annual Foundation Scholarship Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Statler, 107 Delaware Avenue, in Buffalo.

Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with wine and food pairings by Premier Wine & Spirits, followed by a multicourse gourmet dinner at 7:00 p.m., dancing, and a live auction.

Proceeds from the gala provide scholarships to students enrolled in Buffalo State’s prestigious All College Honors Program. Established in 1984, the honors program currently enrolls more than 200 students who engage in special seminars; receive individual attention from dedicated, highly qualified faculty members; are rewarded with opportunities for applied internships, research, and awards; and have access to their own residence hall and lounge. The gala has helped to raise more than $3 million in scholarship funds for students in the honors program since the fundraiser began in 1998.

This year’s event will also mark the All College Honors program officially being named the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program to honor the former Buffalo State president’s more than 13 years of leadership at the college.

Howard, who currently serves as president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington, D.C., will return to Buffalo to take part in the gala.

“Dr. Howard’s leadership, vision, and commitment founded on an unwavering dedication to Buffalo State students were pivotal in shaping the culture of excellence that exists today in all facets of the college,” said Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky. “It is with profound gratitude to Dr. Howard for her exemplary presidential tenure and for establishing a solid foundation for Buffalo State’s future that we name our hallmark educational program in her honor.”

As AASCU president, Howard is an advocate for public higher education at the national level, working to influence federal policy and regulations on behalf of member colleges and universities; serving as a resource to presidents and chancellors as they address state policy and emerging campus issues; and providing professional development opportunities for presidents, chancellors, and their spouses.

This year’s gala chairs are Benjamin M. Zuffranieri, Jr., ’80; Mary Ellen Zuffranieri, ’80; and Rock D. Doyle, ‘99. Presenting sponsors are BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Larkin Development Group, LP Ciminelli, and M&T Bank.

Tickets are $200 per person. For more information, please contact Kathryn Neeson at (716) 878-4895.

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April 17, 2013

Graduate Student Election Begins on April 21

norrisma1 — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:00:57 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

April 8, 2013

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) at Buffalo State is electing a new group of executive board members beginning on April 21. The election marks the GSA’s second year of existence.

“Over the years, many graduate students have expressed a need for a GSA,” said Kevin Railey, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. “It was incumbent upon us to act.” Railey, who has worked with three different groups of students to establish the GSA, believes it is the first stand-alone GSA among the SUNY comprehensives.

“Initially, there were just a few students,” said Jacqueline Schneegold, current GSA president and a key contributor to its founding. SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and President’s Distinguished Service Award winner Kaitlyn Beachner, ’12, was also an early leader.

The first step was to file the appropriate paperwork, and Schneegold credits Railey and the Graduate School staff with providing the assistance necessary to “jump through all the hoops.” Then the group presented its case to the graduate student body. In February 2012, 92 percent of the students who voted opted to create the GSA. In April 2012, a second vote resulted in the election of the first executive board, including Schneegold.

In October 2012, a third vote addressed the imposition of a mandatory graduate student fee to fund the organization. The fee of $2.22 per credit hour was approved by 76 percent of the voting students. Eight senators were also elected to the GSA, completing its governing body.

“The funding enables us to provide professional development opportunities for students,” said Schneegold. “We’ve been especially interested in helping graduate students who are presenting at conferences.”

Schneegold, who expects to receive her M.S. Ed. in childhood and early childhood education through the MIITC program in December, responded to an e-mail inviting students to help bring the GSA into existence. “I work full time at a law office,” she said, “so I understand the time constraints facing graduate students. But being involved with the GSA has been so worthwhile. It’s opened up many opportunities, and I’ve met so many people.”

Railey said that the GSA e-board met with President Podolefsky last fall and Vice President for Student Affairs Hal Payne this semester. GSA representatives have also met with several campus offices to discuss ways to improve services specifically for graduate students. “The Career Development Center and the library have been very receptive,” said Schneegold. “We may start a public-speaking club, too. If you’re willing to get involved, you can probably accomplish whatever you want.”

Schneegold believes the GSA can play an important role in securing services and benefits for graduate students. She said, “We’re really hoping that the students in the future will help it continue and make it grow.”

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

April 10, 2013